There's a belonging problem in Hollywood. Who dictates who belongs? The very body who dictates that looks all one way.
Ava DuvernayRead
Diversity is not one in the room. Diversity is not two in the room. Diversity is not three in the room. True diversity is half the room.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True diversity involves representation that reflects the population, not just tokenism.
Ava Duvernay's quote highlights the importance of achieving a level of diversity that is proportional to the demographics of a community or society. Rather than merely having a few individuals from different backgrounds present, true diversity means ensuring that all voices and perspectives are represented, thereby enriching the environment and fostering genuine inclusion.
Themes
DiversityInclusionRepresentationCommunityVoices
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on workplace equality, this quote can be used to emphasize the need for broader representation.
More from Ava Duvernay
All quotes βI just don't think there's a lot of support for the woman's voice in cinema, and it becomes really difficult to raise that money and start again every time.
Ava DuvernayRead
I didn't go to film school. I got my education on the set as a niche publicist in the film industry.
Ava DuvernayRead
I think for female filmmakers a big issue is making their second and third films.
Ava DuvernayRead
When we say there's a dearth of women directors, it's not that there's a lack of women who direct: it's a lack of opportunities and access for women to direct and be supported in that.
Ava DuvernayRead
I intend to be making films until I'm an old lady. So, if God willing I get there, I need to create a paradigm for myself where I can make it regardless of whether or not they still like what I'm making.
Ava DuvernayRead
Similar quotes
You have to have more people who don't look like you in the writers room. I try to have some people who don't look like me in my writers room. I think it's important to have a group of voices, of people who can dissent.
Shonda RhimesRead
Here's the thing, we talk about diversity in the media as if it's some weird artificial construct that we're putting onto these narratives. But it isn't. Our world is not homogenous. It is not all straight or white or able-bodied, or if it is, maybe you should make some new friends. That is not what our world looks like.
Leigh BardugoRead
Our country is not perfect but our country embraces its diversity. You can be different in this country. I have traveled around the world. I've been in countries where people are not allowed to be different.
Linda Thomas-GreenfieldRead
Seattle is like a global gumbo, a melting pot with all kinds of people - the rich, the poor, white people, some Chinese, Filipino, Jewish and black people - they're all here.
Quincy JonesRead
Our workforce and our entire economy are strongest when we embrace diversity to its fullest, and that means opening doors of opportunity to everyone and recognizing that the American Dream excludes no one.
Thomas PerezRead
In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.
Maya AngelouRead